At the arts council

CDCR, California Arts Council partner to bring rehabilitative arts programs to state prisons

Arts organizations invited to help inmates develop skills

Published: 05-01-2014

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Arts Council are seeking arts organizations to work for a rehabilitative arts program opening at prisons statewide.

Proposal Attachments Information

For attachments #1, #3 and #5, proposers may use the appropriate pages for these attachments in the RFP (see pages 23-30.) For attachments #2 and #4, the Arts Council recommends (but does not require) these attachments be submitted separately, utilizing appropriate tools (such as a spreadsheet program for the budget attachment, for example). Attachment #9 does not require submission, but is provided as an FYI.

If proposers have any technical issues regarding the attachments and downloads, please contact mary.beth.barber@arts.ca.gov or call 916-322-6588. The deadline for questions regarding the RFP have passed, but the Arts Council staff may assist proposers who are having difficulty accessing the correct documentation due to technical issues.

About the program

The Arts in Corrections programs will offer an array of performing, literary and visual arts disciplines, such as theater, music, creative writing, poetry, painting, drawing and sculpture.

"Research has shown that structured arts programs improve inmates' problem-solving skills and self-discipline and increase their patience and their ability to work with others," said CDCR Secretary Jeff Beard. "These programs also direct inmates' energy in a positive direction, promote positive social interaction and lower tension levels, resulting in a safer environment for inmates and staff."

CDCR has a long history of providing arts programs, as institutions and community organizations have partnered to offer visual and performing arts programs to inmates. CDCR has committed $1 million funding to add structured, contracted Arts-in-Corrections programs in select state prisons. CDCR is also committed to a second year of support for fiscal year 2014-15. The funds will be administered by the California Arts Council. Use of funds is subject to review by state control agencies.

"This investment will help inmates develop skills that may help them get jobs when they are released, which would help reduce recidivism and victimization," Beard added.

"The California Arts Council commends Secretary Beard on this investment. Arts engagement is a valuable rehabilitation method that can provide positive change for inmates and for communities across our state," said Wylie Aitken, Chair of the California Arts Council. "The Arts Council looks forward to partnering with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and to working with arts organizations on the development of these new Arts-in-Corrections programs."

The California Arts Council will be seeking providers beginning May 2, 2014. Interested arts organizations will be considered through an open Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Proposals must be received by May 27, 2014. CDCR and the Arts Council will conduct webinar for interested parties on Thursday, May 15, at 3 pm.

For more information on providing services, contact Mary Beth Barber at the California Arts Council at (916) 322-6588 or mary.beth.barber@arts.ca.gov.